EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

André Ernest Gauthier was a 17-year-old male who disappeared on September 23, 1984, in Saint John, New Brunswick. Now over 41 years missing, his case remains one of Saint John's most enduring mysteries. The limited publicly available information combined with the age of the case presents significant investigative challenges. This report synthesizes all accessible information and presents a hypothesis regarding his disappearance.

SECTION 1: VICTIM IDENTIFICATION

Personal Information

• Full Name: André Ernest Gauthier
• Date of Birth: 1967
• Age at Disappearance: 17 years old
• Sex: Male
• Race: White/Caucasian
• Nationality: Canadian

Physical Description

• Height: 172 cm (5'8")
• Weight: 63 kg (139 lbs)
• Hair Color: Brown
• Eye Color: Hazel
• Build: Slender/average
• Distinguishing Features: None reported

Personal Effects at Time of Disappearance

• Black and orange vest
• White and blue Alpine T-shirt
• Blue faded denim jeans
• Brown, oversized leather jacket
• Silver lighter with personal engraving: "Andre" on front; "July 10, 1984, Irene + Paul" on back
• Key chain reading "I Love NY"

The significance of the lighter engraving is notable—dated July 10, 1984 (approximately 2.5 months before disappearance), it indicates the names "Irene + Paul" were meaningful to André, possibly indicating family members or close friends.

SECTION 2: CIRCUMSTANCES OF DISAPPEARANCE

Date and Time

• Date: September 23, 1984
• Time Last Seen: Approximately 10:15 PM
• Day of Week: Sunday evening

Location

• Specific Location: Near Simms Corner, west side of Saint John, New Brunswick
• Geographic Context: Simms Corner is a recognized intersection in Saint John's west end

Last Seen Details

André was last seen at approximately 10:15 PM on the evening of September 23, 1984, near Simms Corner on Saint John's west side. He has never been seen again since that date. Few additional details regarding his disappearance have been publicly released by authorities.

Critical Gap in Investigation

Remarkably, despite being missing for over four decades, minimal information has been released about:

• Who last saw André?
• What was he doing in the area?
• Was he with companions?
• What precipitated his being at Simms Corner at that late hour?
• Were witnesses interviewed at the time?

SECTION 3: OFFICIAL CASE INFORMATION

Case Classification

Status: Missing Person
Classification: Unresolved/Cold Case

Official References

• Saint John Police Case Number: 84-08488
• RCMP Case Reference: 2014001900
• National Centre for Missing Persons Case: Listed on Canada's Missing database

Investigating Agencies

Saint John Police Force (Primary investigator at time)

• Phone: (506) 648-3333

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)

• Now maintaining file
• Crime Stoppers tip line available

Contact Information for Tips

• Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
• Online Tips: Canadian Crime Stoppers Association website

SECTION 4: HISTORICAL CONTEXT - SAINT JOHN 1984

Saint John in 1984

• Saint John was a mid-sized Atlantic Canadian city with a population of approximately 80,000
• The city had an active waterfront with naval and commercial shipping operations
• West side of Saint John was a mixed industrial-residential area
• 1984 was pre-internet, pre-mobile phone era—communication and media exposure were limited
• Missing person cases received less media saturation than modern era

1980s Missing Person Investigations

• Police procedures for missing person cases were less sophisticated than modern standards
• AMBER Alert-style systems did not exist
• Digital record-keeping was minimal; most records were paper-based
• Inter-agency communication between local and national authorities was less developed

Comparative Context: Other Saint John Disappearances (1984)

Notably, Saint John experienced multiple disappearances in 1984:

• Robert Joseph Dwyer - Disappeared March 10, 1984 (6 months before André)

  • Age: 26
  • Last Known Whereabouts: Keirstead Trailer Park, west side Saint John
  • Last seen leaving residence
  • Status: Still missing
  • Case #84-01953

• André Ernest Gauthier - Disappeared September 23, 1984

  • Age: 17
  • Last Known Whereabouts: Simms Corner, west side Saint John
  • Status: Still missing
  • Case #84-08488

Pattern Analysis: Two young men disappearing from Saint John's west side within the same calendar year suggests either coincidental individual circumstances or potential serial predatory activity (unconfirmed). No official statements indicate these cases are connected, but geographic and temporal proximity warrants consideration.

SECTION 5: INVESTIGATION STATUS & PUBLIC INFORMATION

What is Known

• André disappeared September 23, 1984, at approximately 10:15 PM
• Last known location: Simms Corner, west side Saint John
• He was never found
• Case remains classified as missing person (not confirmed deceased)

What Remains Unknown

• Who was André with that evening?
• What brought him to Simms Corner at 10:15 PM on a Sunday night?
• Were friends or family questioned?
• Did he have romantic relationships or conflicts?
• Was he involved with any groups, organizations, or subcultures?
• Any substance use issues?
• Any history of running away or behavioral issues?
• Did he have access to money/transportation?
• Were vehicles in the area investigated?
• Any witness statements beyond initial disappearance?

Evidence/Documents Not Publicly Available

• Police investigation files (case #84-08488)
• Interview transcripts with family, friends, associates
• Scene investigation reports
• Any physical evidence collected
• Historical tip information
• Forensic analysis (if any conducted)
• Theories developed by investigating officers

The lack of public information suggests either investigation was conducted but details withheld for investigative reasons, investigation was limited in scope and depth, records have been archived or lost, or limited investigative resources were applied to cold case.

SECTION 6: RUMOUR, SPECULATION & MEDIA DISCUSSION

WebSleuths Community Discussion

The case is documented on WebSleuths, a dedicated missing persons forum where amateur investigators discuss unresolved cases. The forum entry notes the case classification, reference number, and persistent observation that "few details are available in his case."

Notable Observations from Public Discussion

• Geographic Clustering: The west side of Saint John appears concerning for disappearances in 1984
• Age Profile: 17-year-old fits potential pattern of vulnerable youth
• Personal Items: The engraved lighter suggests André had sentimental connections (Irene and Paul)
• Time of Disappearance: 10:15 PM on a Sunday is unusual timing

Reddit/True Crime Community

• André's case receives less discussion than some other NB disappearances
• Community focus often shifts toward cases with more recent developments
• Kimberly Ann Amero's 1985 disappearance receives more contemporary attention

Gone in NB Project Documentation

The Gone in NB comprehensive report on New Brunswick missing persons includes André's case, confirming ongoing regional interest in these historical disappearances and suggesting awareness that systematic patterns may exist.

SECTION 7: COMPARATIVE CASE ANALYSIS

Similar Cases in Maritime Region (1980s)

Stéphane Gauthier (Montreal, 1982)

• 12-year-old boy disappeared December 21, 1982
• Body found sexually assaulted and strangled
• Never solved despite suspect identification

Kimberly Ann Amero (Saint John, 1985)

• 15-year-old female disappeared September 3, 1985 (one year after André)
• Same city, said "I'll be right back" and vanished
• 40+ years missing, never found
• Family reports possible confessions never proven

Robert Joseph Dwyer (Saint John, 1984)

• 26-year-old male disappeared March 10, 1984
• Same city as André, west side location
• Last seen leaving residence, never found

Pattern Observations:

• Atlantic Canada had concerning pattern of young people disappearing in 1980s
• Saint John particularly affected
• Multiple cases remain unsolved 40+ years
• Geographic/temporal clustering suggests systematic rather than random incidents

SECTION 8: INVESTIGATIVE THEORIES

Theory 1: Voluntary Disappearance/Runaway

Likelihood: LOW-MODERATE

• Supporting Factors: Age (17) allows runaway possibility; "I Love NY" key chain suggests possible interest in leaving; emotional attachments to Irene and Paul might suggest conflict.
• Against This Theory: No confirmed sightings anywhere; no communication attempts in 41 years; complete life reconstruction with zero traceable elements highly unusual.
• Assessment: If voluntary, would require complete silence for 41 years—highly improbable.

Theory 2: Accidental Death/Misadventure

Likelihood: MODERATE

• Drowning Scenario: Saint John has waterfront areas; night time increases risk; body swept to sea/harbor.
• Vehicle Accident Scenario: Simms Corner is intersection; hit-and-run possible; body hidden or moved; 1984 investigations less sophisticated.
• Exposure Scenario: Less likely in September (manageable weather with jacket).
• Assessment: Plausible but lack of remains/evidence after 41 years unusual.

Theory 3: Foul Play - Non-Predatory

Likelihood: MODERATE-HIGH

• Youth Altercation: 17-year-old at Simms Corner late night; conflict escalated to violence; body concealed.
• Robbery/Assault: Youth targeted; assault resulted in death; body hidden.
• Against This Theory: Would require 41-year silence; no deathbed confessions documented; group involvement typically fails discretion tests.

Theory 4: Predatory Abduction & Murder

Likelihood: MODERATE-HIGH ⚠️

Pattern Indicators:

• Age (17) fits youth vulnerability profile
• Evening hour (10:15 PM) matches predator patterns
• Geographic location (west side) same area as Robert Dwyer disappearance
• Male gender fits predatory profile
• No identified destination (suggests opportunity encounter)

Historical Context:

• 1980s Maritime region saw documented predatory activity
• Serial predators operate extended timeframes
• Multiple unsolved disappearances suggest pattern predation
• Police investigation may have suspected but lacked evidence for charges

Investigative Gaps:

• Were local convicted sex offenders investigated?
• Were vehicle descriptions collected?
• Were alibi checks conducted on suspicious individuals?
• What was investigation scope?

Against This Theory: No confirmed predator activity documented in Saint John public records; body concealment success for 41 years unusual.

Theory 5: Institutional/Authority Figure Involvement

Likelihood: LOW

• Why Less Likely: Modern accountability makes this scenario less viable; no credible allegations in public record; would require institutional conspiracy.

SECTION 9: PRIMARY INVESTIGATIVE HYPOTHESIS

MOST LIKELY SCENARIO: Predatory Abduction with Fatal Outcome

Rationale: Temporal & Geographic Clustering

• Multiple young men disappearing from Saint John's west side in 1984
• Pattern suggests predatory activity rather than coincidence
• Investigator awareness of area as concerning location

Victim Profile Vulnerability

• 17-year-old male alone at night
• Unusual location/time suggests possible opportunity encounter

No Voluntary Disappearance Evidence

• 41 years with no communication whatsoever
• No sightings, letters, or contact
• Inconsistent with running away scenario

Limited Public Investigation Details

• Sparse public information suggests investigation pursued sensitive leads
• Predatory investigation requires confidentiality during active pursuit
• Limited information could indicate investigation was more extensive than public record

Regional Pattern

• Maritime Canada had documented predatory activity in 1980s
• Multiple unsolved disappearances suggest systematic rather than random loss
• Professional predators operate extended timeframes with multiple victims

Supporting Evidence

• Case remains officially classified as missing (not concluded)
• Professional investigators maintain active file status
• No confirmed death/suicide determination
• Positive identification never made
• Body never recovered

Limitation of This Hypothesis

• Lacks direct evidence (arrest, confession, remains)
• Based on pattern analysis and comparative case review
• Requires unidentified offender with 41-year concealment success

SECTION 10: ALTERNATIVE POSSIBILITIES

• Interstate Travel/Hidden Identity: Did anyone change identity and relocate to US (I Love NY connection)? Are there unclaimed/unidentified remains from surrounding states? Could he have joined counterculture/community with deliberate isolation?
• Military Enlistment: Could he have joined Canadian Armed Forces under different name? Military records from 1984-1986 could reveal enlisted personnel
• Institutional Placement: Could he have been placed in orphanage, hospital, or institution? Records from 1984 onward might reveal placement of unidentified youth
• Coerced Departure: Could family member or authority figure have forced departure? Possible abuse/exploitation scenario requiring coerced silence

SECTION 11: INVESTIGATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS

Immediate Actions

Interview Family Members

• Locate Irene and Paul (from lighter engraving)
• Family may possess additional context
• 41 years allows perspective on possible motives

Exhume Case Files

• Request complete police investigation file from SJPF
• Review original witness statements
• Examine investigator theories from 1984

Cross-Reference with Sex Offenders

• Compare convicted sex offenders (NB, 1984-1986) with unsolved cases
• Check if any served prison time and have since been released

Media Campaign

• 41 years allows generational connection
• Family members may now share information
• Social media outreach to 1984 Saint John residents

DNA Analysis

• If remains exist in unidentified database, DNA comparison possible
• Any evidence from 1984 investigation might contain biological material

Long-Term Investigation

Regional Predator Analysis

• Systematic review of all Maritime disappearances 1980-1990
• Identify geographic/temporal clusters
• Comparative victim profiling

Cold Case Review

• Collaboration with other Atlantic provinces
• Potential cross-jurisdiction patterns
• Shared investigative resources

Public Awareness

• Gone in NB project provides platform for engagement
• Anniversary recognition (September 23)
• Potential media documentaries

SECTION 12: CONCLUSION

André Ernest Gauthier has been missing for 41 years and 4 months. The sparse public information combined with the age of the case presents extraordinary investigative challenges. However, the geographic and temporal clustering of young men disappearing from Saint John's west side in 1984, coupled with complete absence of communication or trace in over four decades, suggests predatory abduction with fatal outcome remains most plausible explanation.

The absence of a body has not prevented successful prosecution in similar cases. Modern techniques—DNA analysis, digital database searches, genealogical connections—offer possibilities unavailable in 1984.

The case remains solvable if:

• Original investigation files contain overlooked leads
• Previously unknown witnesses come forward
• Deathbed confessions surface
• Remains are discovered
• DNA technology enables identification of skeletal remains
• Regional predator patterns emerge through systematic analysis

André Ernest Gauthier deserves resolution. His family deserves answers. The Gone in NB project's commitment to these cases represents the best opportunity for breakthrough developments in historically underresourced investigations.

APPENDICES

Key Dates Timeline

• July 10, 1984: Lighter engraved with "July 10, 1984, Irene + Paul"
• September 23, 1984, 10:15 PM: André last seen near Simms Corner
• September 23, 1984 onwards: Missing (41+ years)
• March 10, 1984: Robert Dwyer disappeared (6 months before André)
• September 3, 1985: Kimberly Amero disappeared (one year after André)

Contact Information

• Saint John Police: (506) 648-3333
• RCMP Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
• Gone in NB: www.GoneInNB.retrac.ca

References

• RCMP Missing Persons Database: services.rcmp-grc.gc.ca
• WebSleuths Case Documentation
• Canada's Missing - National Centre for Missing Persons
• Gone in NB Comprehensive Report on New Brunswick Missing Persons Cases
• Comparative case files: Robert Dwyer (1984), Kimberly Amero (1985)

Report Prepared: January 22, 2026

Status: COMPREHENSIVE MISSING PERSONS ANALYSIS
Classification: Public Research Document

This report represents synthesis of publicly available information regarding André Ernest Gauthier's disappearance. The hypothesis reflects pattern analysis and comparative case review. Investigation should be conducted by qualified law enforcement professionals with access to complete case files and investigative authority.